The best games with pattern building 2024

You love symmetry, colors & shapes - and board games? Then we have just the thing: a list of the 30 best games where you have to build patterns - in English it is called "Pattern Building".

What are pattern building games?

In pattern-building games, players place game components in specific patterns. The goal is to achieve fixed or variable task/results. For example: placing chips on 2, 4, 6, 8 on a board gives the player an action card to use later in the game.

Top example of games where you form patterns: Azul

A very good example of pattern-forming games is the Spiel des Jahres 2018 winner Azul: here, each time it's your turn, you first select a set usually consisting of four different colored tiles and then place them in a specific pattern on your board. The more contiguous and uniform the pattern, the more points you get.

Pattern making games usually very nice

Due to the special game mechanics of the patterns to be formed, the results are usually very aesthetic. If you are in the mood for even more beautiful games, we have created another list (in which, by the way, Azul came first): The most beautiful board games of all time.

List of the best games 2024 where you have to make patterns

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 3241 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Cascadia

    All details for the board game Cascadia and similar games

    Cascadia is a tile-laying and token-drafting board game that features the rich habitats and diverse wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. It combines strategic tile placement with wildlife conservation themes.

    Nominated for 24 awards and won 12.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2022

    More details for Cascadia
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  2. Azul

    All details for the board game Azul and similar games

    Azul invites you to step into the captivating world of Portuguese artistry and craftsmanship. This board game draws inspiration from the introduction of azulejos, originally white and blue ceramic tiles, by the Moors. The tiles found a new home in Portugal when King Manuel I, during a visit to the Alhambra palace in Southern Spain, was enchanted by the exquisite Moorish decorative tiles adorning its interior. Filled with awe and inspiration, the king promptly ordered the embellishment of his own palace in Portugal with similar decorative tiles. As a skilled tile-laying artist, you are tasked with the prestigious mission of adorning the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora.

    Nominated for 30 awards and won 19.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for Azul
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!35€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Azul

    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  3. Ohanami

    All details for the board game Ohanami and similar games

    Ohanami is a serene and strategic card drafting game that seamlessly blends simplicity with deep strategic choices. Over three rounds, players cultivate their gardens by selecting cards and building sequences in a quest for the most points.

    More details for Ohanami
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Carcassonne Big Box 6

    All details for the board game Carcassonne Big Box 6 and similar games

    Carcassonne Big Box 6 is a comprehensive edition of the beloved tile-laying game Carcassonne, combining the base game with its two major expansions and several mini-expansions into one grand package. Players build the landscape of a medieval fortress city one tile at a time, placing their followers on roads, cities, cloisters, and fields to gather points. This edition not only includes the core game that has captivated millions worldwide but also enriches the experience with expansions that introduce new tiles, mechanics, and strategies.

    More details for Carcassonne Big Box 6
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 35 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Carcassonne Big Box 6

    • YouTube Review for the game "Carcassonne Big Box 6" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  5. Project L

    All details for the board game Project L and similar games

    Project L is a dynamic and visually appealing board game that combines tile-matching with engine-building elements. It's designed to challenge players with its strategic depth, encapsulated within an elegant and simple design. The game features unique triple-layer 3D puzzles and attractive acrylic pieces, making it not only a test of intellect but also a delight to play.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Project L
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. Orchard: A 9 card solitaire game

    All details for the board game Orchard: A 9 card solitaire game and similar games
    • 1 Players
    • 5 - 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  7. Welcome To...

    All details for the board game Welcome To... and similar games

    Welcome To... is a unique, dice-less roll-and-write game where players take on the role of 1950s American architects, aiming to design and construct the most prosperous suburban neighborhood.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 2.

    More details for Welcome To...
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!20€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Welcome To...

    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. Grove: A 9 card solitaire game

    All details for the board game Grove: A 9 card solitaire game and similar games
    • 1 Players
    • 5 - 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  9. Sagrada

    All details for the board game Sagrada and similar games

    Sagrada is a visually striking board game where players draft dice to create beautiful stained glass windows, combining strategy and aesthetics.

    Nominated for 12 awards.

    More details for Sagrada
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!30€ atAmazon.de*
  10. The Castles of Burgundy

    All details for the board game The Castles of Burgundy and similar games

    The Castles of Burgundy is a strategy board game set in the Burgundy region of High Medieval France, where players assume the roles of aristocrats controlling small princedoms. The game combines tile placement and dice rolling mechanics to offer a rich and strategic experience.

    More details for The Castles of Burgundy
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 70 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    👍 Good price!37€ atAmazon.de*
  11. Azul: Summer Pavilion

    All details for the board game Azul: Summer Pavilion and similar games

    Azul: Summer Pavilion takes players back to Portugal to embark on an artistic challenge of crafting a summer pavilion, a task assigned by King Manuel I. As master artisans, players must use their skills to construct the pavilion using the finest materials while efficiently managing their resources.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 3.

    More details for Azul: Summer Pavilion
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!35€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Azul: Summer Pavilion

    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul: Summer Pavilion" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul: Summer Pavilion" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  12. Planet Unknown

    All details for the board game Planet Unknown and similar games

    Planet Unknown is a competitive and strategic game for 1-6 players set in a future where Earth's resources are depleted. Players are tasked with developing the most efficient and habitable planet among a series of newfound worlds. Using polyomino-shaped tiles, each representing vital infrastructure, players work to efficiently cover their planets and build an effective support system for life.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2023

    More details for Planet Unknown
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 60 - 80 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!54€ atAmazon.de*
  13. Akropolis

    All details for the board game Akropolis and similar games

    Akropolis is a strategic board game set in ancient Greece, where players take on the roles of skilled architects competing to build the most prestigious city. The game focuses on urban planning, resource management, and tactical tile placement.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 9.

    More details for Akropolis
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. Super Mega Lucky Box

    All details for the board game Super Mega Lucky Box and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!19€ atAmazon.de*
  15. Azul: Master Chocolatier

    All details for the board game Azul: Master Chocolatier and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!37€ atAmazon.de*
  16. Dragomino

    All details for the board game Dragomino and similar games

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 5.

    ⭐️ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Dragomino
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!20€ atAmazon.de*
  17. The Castles of Burgundy

    All details for the board game The Castles of Burgundy and similar games

    The Castles of Burgundy is set in the medieval Burgundy region of France, where players assume the roles of aristocrats seeking to expand their princedoms. The game revolves around building settlements, constructing castles, engaging in river trade, mining for silver, and utilizing travelers' knowledge.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    More details for The Castles of Burgundy
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for The Castles of Burgundy

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Castles of Burgundy" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  18. NMBR 9

    All details for the board game NMBR 9 and similar games

    NMBR 9 presents a unique puzzle game where numbers take on significance only when they rise above the ground level. The game encompasses twenty cards numbered 0-9, each appearing twice, and eighty tiles numbered 0-9, each composed of squares arranged in different configurations. Players embark on a captivating journey where they draw cards, select number tiles, and strategically build their own tile arrangement. The goal is to maximize points by constructing multi-level structures and showcasing their numerical prowess.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for NMBR 9
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for NMBR 9

    • YouTube Review for the game "NMBR 9" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  19. The Isle of Cats

    All details for the board game The Isle of Cats and similar games

    Embark on a delightful rescue mission in The Isle of Cats, a captivating competitive board game designed for 1-4 players (expandable to 6 with expansions). This medium-weight game combines card-drafting, polyomino cat-placement, and resource management, offering an engaging and strategic gameplay experience.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for The Isle of Cats
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for The Isle of Cats

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Isle of Cats" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  20. Calico

    All details for the board game Calico and similar games

    Calico is a delightful, tile-laying board game that combines the art of quilt-making with the charm of cats. It's designed to offer a relaxing yet engaging puzzling experience for players.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Calico
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  21. Welcome to the Moon

    All details for the board game Welcome to the Moon and similar games

    Welcome to the Moon is an innovative flip-and-write game that evolves the gameplay of its predecessors, Welcome To... and Welcome To New Las Vegas. It takes players on a space colonization adventure, combining familiar mechanisms with new twists and a campaign mode that spans eight unique adventure sheets.

    More details for Welcome to the Moon
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 25 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    👍 Good price!33€ atAmazon.de*
  22. Botanik

    All details for the board game Botanik and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Botanik
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  23. Meeple Circus

    All details for the board game Meeple Circus and similar games

    Meeple Circus is a vibrant and engaging dexterity board game where players become circus directors, aiming to create the most spectacular show and wow the audience. It's a game where physical skill meets strategic planning, and each action is a performance in itself.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Meeple Circus
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. Qwinto

    All details for the board game Qwinto and similar games

    Qwinto offers a refreshing twist on the roll-and-write genre, engaging players in a simultaneous play experience where quick thinking and strategic number placement are key to victory. In this game, players race to fill out their scoresheets with ascending numbers in three colorful rows, while navigating the constraints of overlapping columns and avoiding duplicates to maximize their scores.

    More details for Qwinto
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  25. boop.

    All details for the board game boop. and similar games

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for boop.
    • 2 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  26. Cube Quest

    All details for the board game Cube Quest and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Cube Quest
    • 2 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  27. Takenoko

    All details for the board game Takenoko and similar games

    Takenoko is a charming board game set in the Japanese Imperial court, revolving around the care of a giant panda gifted by the Chinese Emperor. Players, as court members, are tasked with managing a bamboo garden for the panda.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 7.

    More details for Takenoko
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Takenoko

    • YouTube Review for the game "Takenoko" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  28. Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra

    All details for the board game Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra and similar games

    Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra is a visually striking and strategic board game designed by Michael Kiesling. It offers a unique twist on tile drafting, focusing on creating beautiful stained glass windows.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra

    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  29. Dr. Eureka

    All details for the board game Dr. Eureka and similar games

    Dr. Eureka is a fast-paced, dexterity-based board game that challenges players to become the quickest and most precise scientist in the laboratory. Designed for players with a keen sense of logic and a steady hand, this game puts your problem-solving and fine motor skills to the test.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for Dr. Eureka
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  30. FUSE

    All details for the board game FUSE and similar games

    FUSE is a fast-paced, real-time cooperative game that sets players in the roles of a Bomb Defusal Team (BDT) on a ship under threat. With the clock ticking, players must work together quickly and efficiently to defuse a series of bombs within a ten-minute timeframe. The game combines elements of strategy, communication, and quick decision-making under pressure.

    More details for FUSE
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

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